Table of Contents
- Farmers Markets
- Open Farm Days
- Northeast of Edmonton
- East of Edmonton
- Southeast of Edmonton
- Alberta on the Plate
This week, from August 13th to 20th, head out to your local markets, restaurants, and farms during Alberta Local Food Week! Farmers’ Markets are happening all summer around Alberta and are perfect to stock up on fresh foods. Don’t forget to stop by farm tours, breweries and distilleries, ending your day with a delicious meal with fresh ingredients at local restaurants.
Alberta Local Food Week is a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious local food:
- visit a Farmers’ Market in your area
- pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables at a u-pick farm
- plan your ultimate local food experience at Open Farm Days
- follow the local food conversation to see events, activities and celebrations using #ABLocalFood
Shop at a Farmers’ Market this Week!
This summer, over 10 local markets are available around the region for you to find delicious, locally sourced produce, meats, and more.
What better time to see what our province’s agricultural community has to offer? At the beginning of the week, head to the Ardrossan Farmers’ Market held every Tuesday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM and featuring many vendors for produce, meats, treats, and more! Visit the Sherwood Park Farmer’s Market every Wednesday from 3:00pm – 7:00pm year-round to shop for the best local produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, crafts, art, and more. With more than 85 vendors, as well as a lineup of talented buskers, they offer something for everyone. Outdoors: 3000 Emerald Dr. (the Canadian Tire parking lot). Indoors: 401 Festival Lane (Community Centre across from the Library).
On Thursdays, stop by the Boyle Farmers’ Market from 12-3 PM for a variety of food goods and crafts. From 3:30 to 6:30 PM, you can head to Cold Lake to check out one of the biggest markets in the area! Finally, head to Vegreville from 5-8 PM for the Pysanka Park Market where you can find a selection of vendors including Taber corn, fresh lemonade, tasty baked goods.
Start your weekend with a visit to Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market, open every Friday from 3-5 PM. With dozens of vendors to shop, you’re sure to find fresh ingredients, the perfect gift, and a variety of treats to take home!
Saturday is the perfect day to go market hopping! From 10 AM to noon, head to Smoky Lake for baking, traditional Ukrainian food, fresh farm eggs, produce, and more. Camrose Saturday Farmers’ Market runs weekly from 10 AM to 1 PM with over twenty vendors. Don’t forget to stop by Bonnyville from 11 AM to 2 PM for many options including fresh veggies, potatoes, baking, and crafts.
Finally, end your day at Andrew Farmers’ Market, now open from 1-3 PM with a great selection of quality products.
Looking for more Farmer’s Markets? Check our listings page and article.
Open Farm Days Weekend August 19 – 20, 2023
Enjoy a weekend outing and see where the food we all eat comes from! Check albertaopenfarmdays.ca to see the dates and times for Farm visits.
Northeast of Edmonton
350 Farms – MD of Bonnyville
Saturday and Sunday
350 Farms is known for their KuneKune pastured pork which takes “Pork, the other red meat” to the next level. Their pork is juicy, tender and so easy to cook. Giving a deeply earthy flavour that compliments many dishes, their pork is some of the best out there.
There will be 4 pasture tours each day during Open Farm Days. You’ll be able to explore their 5kms of trails and tour a glamping site.
During Open Farm Days there will be a concession (paid activity).
Brunch on the Farm On Sunday August 20th, there will be a Champagne.
Bentgrove Farm – Redwater
Saturday Guided Farm tours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the hour
This tour will include seeing up close Sheep, Pigs, Chickens, Ducks and Bunnies. Ending with an optional vegetable and perennial garden tour. Wagon rides for $2. The wagon ride is your chance to go see the cows and sheep grazing. Book your time.
Charlotte Lake Farms Inc. – Bonnyville
Saturday and Sunday
Their main operation is raising quality angus beef from our farm to your table.
Visitors will have lots to experience during Open Farm Days.
A U-Pick Paradise Pumpkin Patch opens weekends for the month of September. This year they have 38 different varieties to bake and/or decorate your home.
Learn how they raise their animals through tours and activities and have fun learning where food comes from.
Christy Creek Honey – Lac La Biche
Saturday
Experience and learn about bees! Hear their buzzing. Smell their honey. Visit the free observation hive. Relax. Stop and smell the flowers. Enjoy the view and bee themed activities. Take a walk on the wild side with Alberta Junior Forest Rangers. Enjoy the art of the local Lac La Biche Art Club on their art walk and make a masterpiece to take home. Shop in the unique log cabin bee boutique. Suit up in a real beekeeper suit and take a tour of a hive with the beekeeper ($10 per person – pre-book online at christycreekhoney.ca).
E-Tree The Tree Farm – Bonnyville
Saturday
They are a full-service tree farm/nursery located just east of Cold Lake. They specialize in locally grown perennials, shrubs, and trees in a variety of sizes.
On the tour, visitors will be welcome to have a taste of fruit available (depending on product still available at that time).
Hay Lakes Bison Ranch – Lac La Biche
Saturday and Sunday
Hay Lakes Bison Ranch is owned and operated by Beaver Lake Cree Nation. This operation has established a thriving Woodland Bison population and sustainable food sovereignty for the community and customers.
Visitors will be able to have a Ranch Tour, participate in a Learning Circle and enjoy the Indigenous Artisan Market.
Lac La Biche Agricultural Society – Lac La Biche
Saturday – Pancake Breakfast
Stop by the Lac La Biche Agricom at the LLB Ag Society Grounds for a pancake breakfast with sausages, juice and coffee before heading out to the local farm tours for only $5!
More details: https://albertaopenfarmdays.ca/events/local-farm-days-pancake-breakfast/?occurrence=2023-08-19
Metis Crossing – Smoky Lake
Saturday and Sunday
Experience the farm and forest-to-table offerings. A sampling of on-site produced culinary delights including BBQ bison will be available for purchase. Interactive interpretive stations throughout the site share the Metis Story. Vision Hopes and Dreams wildlife park at Métis Crossing offers guided tours explaining the cultural significance of these heritage species. An exclusive long-table dinner is available for culinary enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable experience.
- Metis Culture
- Pristine Natural Setting
- Vision Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Park at Métis Crossing
- Heritage Gardens
- Boutique Lodge
- Sky Watching Domes
- Petting Zoo
- 688 acres to explore
Read our profile about Métis Crossing.
Musee St. Paul Museum – St. Paul
Saturday
The Museum will be having interactive demonstrations, a petting zoo and hay rides from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
The St. Paul Museum is two museums in one: Musée Historique and Peoples’ Museum Society of/de St. Paul & district. Each is unique in its own way.
Musée Historique offers the history of St. Paul where Peoples’ Museum offers the pioneering aspects of agriculture, businesses, and survival of every day life.
Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm
Saturday and Sunday
Tours are free but Tickets must be Booked in Advance, as Parking is Limited.
The kids will love seeing the sheep, goats, and chickens. Stroll through a mini corn maze. Investigate our fruit trees, learn where our food is grown, as you join a walking tour to see the flower and vegetable gardens.
Purchase a farm lunch For $15 – or a wristband for unlimited Trackless Train Rides & Goat Schnuggling with a $5 voucher for gem mining, veg picking, or to put towards a fruit tree or berry bush purchase to take home. Kids can have their faces painted, or cool down with a Little Bear Gelato, or a veg bucket to go!
Shop the farm market for freshly pulled garlic, zucchini, greens, dill, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and other deliciousness!
On Sunday, August 20th from 5:00 pm – 9:00pm they are offering a farm-to-table dinner. Here’s the link with the information on their website. https://prairiegardens.org/shop/group-bookings/experience-programs/open-farm-days-farm-to-table-dinner/
Rocky Meadows Country Get Away – Bonnyville
Saturday
Experience a variety of activities happening at Rocky Meadows Country Get Away
- U-Pick of any in season berries.
- Mini-Golf made from old farm machinery.
- Self guided tour of the orchard.
- Homemade pies, jams, jellies and preserves made from our berries available for purchase.
- Pie and beverages available.
- Vendor market.
- Full-service camping available.
Serben Farms – Smoky Lake
Saturday and Sunday
See outdoor pigs and free-run chickens, check out their on-farm butcher shop and farm market where you will find a huge variety of farm-to-fork foods. Fresh meats, smoked sausages, jerky, eggs, fresh vegetables, homemade pies and canning and much more!
Known for their beautiful free-range pigs, which you can enjoy watching root in the dirt or doing other pig things! Come and see open barn houses for the flock of laying hens, you can also purchase fresh farm eggs. A small family farm that sells all of their products directly to consumers. Learn more here at Serben Farms.
Wild Willows Haven – Bonnyville
Saturday
Come and hang out with the goats and the chickens! Are you ready to learn how to milk a goat? Take a tour down chicken lane. You can also purchase sourdough breads and baking, jellies and farm fresh eggs.
East of Edmonton
Barr Estate Winery- Sherwood Park
Saturday and Sunday
A family business, Barr Estate has built a reputation for award-inning wine using fruit including raspberries grown by Amy’s grandfather. Her family homesteaded in the County of Strathcona many years ago. Her grandfather started growing raspberries on the farm and years later Amy’s mom was able to nurture a few of those heritage plants into thousands that they use today when making their wine. The rhubarb was on the farm and they also received a great many plants from friends and family. So many varieties which makes the wine so flavourful. They also have a number of first generation fruits that they are experimenting with to create enchanting wines for you.
Expect a fun-filled day of winery tours, live music and more.
Read our profile on Barr Estate.
Blooms on 7 Flower Farm – Sherwood Park
Saturday and Sunday
Your visit to Blooms on 7 will allow you to experience a cut flower farm at the height of its growing season! Visit on August 19 and 20th to learn more about the farm and growing your favourite flowers in Alberta. Admission is free but you will need to book your spot use code: ABOPENFARM. Due to the size and nature of the property visitors must reserve their spot. Book your spot today: https://www.bloomson7.ca/upick-flower-farm
Chatsworth Farm – Vermilion
Saturday
Visit Chatsworth Farm and meet the Wasylik family for their 4th annual OFD.
Activities throughout the day include guided farm tours; shopping the Artisan Market; machinery demonstrations; a book signing with Sheryl Normandeau, Calgary master gardener & co-author of the Guides for the Prairie Gardener; live music from Mallory Chipman; exploring the garden; ice cream; a cash BBQ; and interactive activity stations including a seed planting station.
Learn more about the Wasyliks and their event here: https://www.chatsworthfarm.ca/ofd.html
Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy – Ardrossan
Sunday
Dreamcatcher™ Nature Assisted Therapy is a Psychology Practice, 30 minutes east of Edmonton, on a beautiful 40 acre ranch. The tranquil setting boasts a holistic approach to healing; offering a wide variety of traditional and unique therapies to help children, youth and adults find healing, balance, and joy that contributes to their personal growth.
Guests may be able to do tours up close and personal with the animals, view demos of our therapist’s skills, hayrides, purchase treats to feed the animals, maybe goat yoga.
Mennonite Heritage Farms – Sherwood Park
Saturday and Sunday
Why visit this farm?
To learn more about Mennonite and agrarian culture and traditions. There will be demonstrations, farm and garden tours a petting zoo and more.
Pierogerie Farm – Sherwood Park
Saturday
Pierogerie Polish Foods Inc. is the first organic Polish pierogi-maker in Alberta, and Canada. Using certified organic ingredients in their recipes, many grown on their certified organic farm in Strathcona County.
Enjoy a Free guided farm tour, ongoing throughout the day, 11:00 – 5:00 pm. Free kids activities available
Sign up for your farm tour and workshops in advance! https://pierogerie.ca/open-farm-days/
Roadside Stand Tour – Sherwood Park
Sunday
Take a trip through Strathcona County with a purpose. Stop at designated driveways that will be hosting local vendors. From Vegetables and beef to crafts and artisans. Think of it as a farmers market style opportunity that instead of walking from one booth to the next you hop in your car and travel through the beautiful countryside making an occasional stop to purchase from and meet local vendors. Pick up a passport at your first stop and collect stamps at each stop to enter for great prizes.
Start your trip at 22177 Wye Road Ardrossan. This is the first stop of seven in the area. This is also the stop where you can register for your Roadside Stand Passport. Have your passport stamped at a minimum of four Roadside Stand stops to be eligible for some great prizes.
Community Greenhouse Project Stand (22177 Wye Road)
Here you will be introduced to the Ardrossan Recreation and Agricultural Society’s Greenhouse Project. This community project is designed to address food sustainability. Learn more about the project and the many other activities the Ag society is involved in. For a nominal fee you can dig up some potatoes to take home for your next meal. ardrossanrecagsociety.ca
The Farm (52530 Range Road 220 Ardrossan)
Just like any farm you will find a smattering of many things. Local products and even an opportunity to choose and dig up a spruce tree to take home with you.
The Pollinators (21569-Wye Road, Ardrossan at Courier Equine Centre)
Nossa Farms-Meet the operators of Nossa Farm. Nossa Farms raise queen bees and sell the excess honey and bees from the hives. They will have their honey for purchase and their knowledge of genetics to share. nossa.ca
Wildwood Perennials -Also at this stop, Wildwood Perennials will be set up. Purchase some new to you perennials to plant in your flowerbeds. wildwoodperennials.com
Fellowship Farms (53027 Range Road 211, Ardrossan)
Here you can purchase local farm products that include grass fed beef, pasture pork and even some select vegetables. Purchase on the farm or find out more about how you can order direct from the farm. fellowshipfarms.ca
Indulgences Memorial Hall Ardrossan (60- 1st avenue, Ardrossan)
8 Acres Coffee.-Though many would say coffee is a necessity there are certainly some amazing flavours you will find from this boutique roaster. Grown in the Antiqua Valley in Guatemala and roasted in Sherwood Park this micro lot specialty company not only has great coffee but a great story. 8acrescoffee.ca
Bar O A Farms -A locally grown bouquet is a great indulgence. Bar OA’ S flower cart will be making a stop in Ardrossan. Pick up a bouquet of flowers. Bring your horticultural questions for Bryanna to answer. Everyone needs to stop and smell the flowers from time to time. BarOAfarms.com
This is a great stop for your picnic lunch. Have the kids bring their skateboards along to try the new skateboard park or blow off some steam in the nearby farm themed playground.
Horse Capital (21069 Township Road 524, Ardrosssn)
Ash-Bren Equine -Strathcona County is world renowned for its horses and you can check out some of these steeds at Ash-Bren Equine. Ash-Bren is one of the many gorgeous boarding and riding stables that are part of Strathcona’s famous equestrian reputation. FB: Ash-Bren Equine
Southeast of Edmonton
609 Farms – Edburg
Saturday
Come visit their farm, and view how small family farms used to be run. Lots of old school practices, and a wide variety of animals, all raised right to plate. Their farm was established in the late 1800s, and still has a lot of the original buildings and machinery.
Aspen Grove Meadery – Beaver County
Saturday and Sunday
Have you tried mead? This is your opportunity to learn how its produced and enjoy a taste. Learn about bees and enjoy a tour of the honey extraction facility.
Old Station Honey & Mead – New Serepta
Saturday
Old Station Honey & Mead is situated in the Hamlet of New Sarepta, right off Hwy 21. They’re the closest meadery to the City of Edmonton, and very easy to get to. Their mead-maker is a local honey producer who for years dreamed of making the “world’s oldest fermented adult beverage” new again. Their mead is made from only locally-sourced honey and fruit, creating a truly local business and bringing something new to the tiny hamlet of New Sarepta.
Round Hill Renaissance Agriculture Foundation – Camrose County
Saturday
Explore the 3rd year foodscape: food forest, shelter belt, community garden. Discover unusual edible plants. Learn about the community composting initiative. Participate in their garden scavenger hunt. Relax in the triple Binzebo or enjoy a picnic in our foodscape. Win prizes with Chicken Poop Bingo. Experience and learn about the composting toilets. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Food Artisans of Camrose County
The CCFA can ensure you don’t miss a beat on the local growers, producers, and processors around Camrose County. This local collective helps to bring attention to each different farm, market, or butcher shop by hosting events and promoting around the community.
Use this Guide from the CCFA to help you on your next shopping trip.
Flagstaff County
Explore Farm to Fork by Train August 19 @ 1:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Travel by train to meet your rural neighbours on this unique Open Farm Days event. Explore small town farm life as it should be –by train! They will stop along the tracks to visit with local farmers, out in their fields, and learn about the crops they raise and the methods they use to provide food for your table. As you roll down the tracks, listen to the local naturalist on board tell us about the local wildlife, birds and flora in the area. Enjoy locally grown snacks & beverages in the open-air gondola car. Purchase tickets through Friends of Battle River Rail
Check albertaopenfarmdays.ca to see the dates and times for Farm visits.
Alberta on a Plate
Celebrate the beautiful selection of locally produced ingredients during Alberta on the Plate from August 11th – 20th. Take in incredible views as you dig into a delicious lunch or three-course dinner at Twisted Fork in St Paul. or find the perfect pairing with your meal when you enjoy a two-course meal at The Red Brick in Vermilion.
Quench your Thirst on the Go East Sippin’ Trail
Sip and Savour your way across the region with our Sippin Trail of local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Check out all the details at: